The Master of Science in Criminal Justice educates students about the dynamics of crime, criminal behavior, the criminal justice system, and how these complex factors interact in recursive relationships with social institutions and public realities. Students are prepared with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully compete in a variety of professional positions in criminal justice or in closely related fields. This program also prepares students for doctoral programs.

The Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice program at Bridgewater State University can provide you with the solid leadership and management skills required to excel in today’s criminal justice arena. This advanced degree program can instill or expand the professional competencies necessary to play a vital role in criminal justice research, administration and practice.

Taught by leading criminal justice faculty who have extensive experience as attorneys, law enforcement officers, corrections experts and investigators. The MS in Criminal Justice program prepares you for continued study or the pursuit of a variety of careers, including leadership roles within the judicial system, law enforcement agencies, legal firms, correctional facilities and the field of criminal justice education.

The MS in Criminal Justice program offers you:

Diverse faculty with extensive experience in a variety of criminal justice settings

Development of critical thinking skills, as well as oral and written communication capabilities

Small classes facilitating a more personalized learning experience

Professional leadership skills and development

Affordable tuition, whether you live in state or out of state and beyond

Résumé - A résumé which demonstrates the applicant's potential for leadership and academic achievement as evidenced by activities during his or her professional career or undergraduate studies

Transcripts - Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work

GPA - A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

GRE Scores - Are required for applicants with a GPA below 3.5

Letters of Recommendation - Three appropriate letters of recommendation

Personal Statement - Prepare a careful statement of goals, purpose, and motivations regarding the reasons you want to pursue graduate work in this field.

Early Acceptance Option:Bridgewater State University offers current students enrolled in the BS in Criminal Justice at BSU the opportunity to gain early acceptance into the MS in Criminal Justice program. By meeting certain criteria, early acceptance students can waive the GRE requirement. Early acceptance details

The Criminal Justice program at Bridgewater State University offers two optional concentrations:

The Administration of Justice concentration focuses on the organizational structure of criminal justice agencies and their jurisdictional authority on the local, state and federal levels. It also examines issues relevant to administrators of criminal justice agencies, including organization and planning, leadership, conflict management, and problem-solving.

The Crime and Corrections concentration focuses on theoretical frameworks concerning crime and criminal behavior, the methods used to control and prevent crime, treatment, and punishment of the offender and the management of the offender in the community.

Curriculum

For the most up-to-date information on course descriptions, please visit our University Catalog.

*Up to 2 of these courses may be taken with approval of the graduate coordinator

Additional Information

Incoming students lacking a background in criminal justice are encouraged to take CRJU 501- Structure and Process in Criminal Justice Systems as one of their electives. This course is designed to provide students with a fundamental knowledge of the criminal justice system. Prospective students can take up to 6 credits, including CRJU 500 before applying. For further advice and information contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Jennifer Hartsfield at Jennifer.Hartsfield@bridgew.edu

The College of Graduate Studies provides various opportunities for graduate students to receive funding while working towards their degrees. Appointments are competitive and are determined by undergraduate and/or graduate grade point averages, pertinent experience, educational preparation and interviews. For information on assistantships, fellowships and conference funding awards, please visit our Graduate Funding Opportunities page.